Deandre Ayton Provides Depth, Durability to Wizards Frontcourt

NBA Free Agency isn’t the same as it once was in the NBA. That’s well documented, and the Wizards’ treatment of it says as much.

Instead of taking $85 million of cap space into the offseason, the Wizards spent a good portion of it acquiring All-Star talents in Trae Young and Anthony Davis.

With the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception available at Washington’s disposal, it remained quiet the first three days of Free Agency. 

With questions remaining whether or not Washington would address its need for depth in the front court, it did just that, acquiring former number-one overall pick Deandre Ayton.

Ayton, 27, was acquired in exchange for Jaden Hardry, and two future second-round picks. He becomes a formidable piece behind Alex Sarr and Anthony Davis.

Ayton fills a massive need for Washington. His knack for rebounding should be a significant boost off the bench for a Wizards team that struggled to do so last season. Ayton is a career 93rd percentile defensive rebounder and 89th percentile offensive rebounder, according to Cleaning The Glass and Second Spectrum.

The Wizards were the fifth-worst rebounding team in basketball last season. Ayton helps out on the defensive side, but in a large way on the offensive glass. He finished with the 8th best offensive rebound percentage in the NBA.

Additionally, his ability to operate in a pick-and-roll offense should appeal nicely to Washington. Ayton finished third in the NBA in screen assists last season, according to league statistics. He also thrived well at the rim. Over the last three seasons, he’s posted the second-best field goal percentage within five feet.

With Young commanding the way at point guard, Ayton could see ample opportunities at the rim playing alongside him.

There’s solid numbers to back his value defensively for the Wizards. In four of his eight seasons, he’s been 90th percentile or better in rim FG% against, meaning he’s typically defended the rim at a high level.

Most importantly, Ayton brings a necessary level of durability. He played and started in 72 games last season for the Lakers. Between Davis and Sarr, health could be a factor. Sarr only played 48 games in 2025. Now, he is currently recovering from a fractured right foot. He’s expected to be ready for the regular season.

For Davis, he failed to play in five-straight game in Dallas before he was sidelined with some form of injury. In the last two seasons, he’s only played a combined 71 games. 

If either of those two miss time, Ayton proves to be a reliable source to fill in as a starter. Although a backup role is different for Ayton, it may suit him well. Washington desperately needed help behind its four and five, and Ayton is just that.

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